[Ecommerce] Intellectual property rights to be reviewed in UK

[Michelle Childs]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/12/05/uk_intellectual_property_rights_rev=
iew/
Intellectual property rights to be reviewed in UK
IP dip do
By OUT-LAW.com
Published Monday 5th December 2005 06:02 GMT

The Chancellor Gordon Brown announced on Friday that he has commissioned
an independent review into intellectual property rights in the UK. Andrew
Gowers, former editor of the Financial Times, will lead the review.

The review, which will run for 12 months, will look at the way in which
Government administers the awarding of intellectual property rights, and
the support given to consumers and business.

It will consider how well businesses are able to negotiate the complexity
and expense of the copyright and patent system, including copyright and
patent licensing arrangements, litigation and enforcement. It will also
look at whether the current technical and legal IP infringement framework
reflects the digital environment, and whether provisions for 'fair use' by
citizens are reasonable.

The Government has previously committed to examining whether the current
term of copyright protection on sound recordings and performers' rights is
appropriate. This will also be conducted within the review.

"I believe that intellectual property is at the heart of Britain's success
in the knowledge economy,=94 said Andrew Gowers. =93This review will ensure
that we maintain a world-class environment for creativity, design and
innovation."

Copyright =A9 2005, OUT-LAW.com

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--
Michelle Childs -Head of European Affairs
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